long leash training and other stuff

[marisa]

I've heard about some type of training collar that is battery-operated. What exactly are they like? How and when should they be used? Do they work? Would you consider them harmful to the dogs or about as "tough" as a pinch collar? Thanks for any info. you may be able to provide.
ALSO.... I think it's high time I started to train Baby with the long leash (about 20 ft.). She does really well with the ordinary leash. The problem is (darn, I'm almost afraid to admit it....) I do not trust myself! What if she starts chasing something/someone and get all tangled up so I cannot stop her? She is strong like an ox, and with her history, I'll take no chances. Advice, pleeese, pep talk, pretty pleeease, I'll take a knock or two on the head too, if really necessary.
These days, whenever she sees someone running or on a bike/motorcycle and I tell her "No!" she just stares at them and her cheeks puff up; it's not a growl, not a bark, sounds more like a puff of wind escaping. I'll tell her to sit, and she does but still keeps looking and puffing away. She does not try to charge like she used to, but then again I think that it's because she knows I'm hanging on to her leash. Please help.

[Judi W]

If you are training your first dog by yourself by trial and error and don't have a class to train, just stay with your 6 foot leash. That is what the law requires almost everywhere so stick with that where you know you can control your dog.

Even those of us that compete do not walk our dogs on long lines. They are a training tool only and then not used by everyone. In training, you should always be in a fenced area and not attempt to work on the street.

Also, as far as the electronic collar is concerned, it is not a cure or short cut and should only be used under the guidance of a professional.

So, stick with what is working for you and try to get in a training class so that you can advance with guidance.

[judy v]

I don't know how much obedience training you've done ( I only check in once in awhile), but if you are ready to begin work off lead and you're having a problem with "distance" exercises, the electronic collar might not be a bad choice. It is possibly a consideration. Do not, however, attempt to use this device on your own. Some manufacturers offer free seminars (Tritronics, for example). Used by a novice, these collars can totally destroy a dog. You need to proceed with caution. It sounds like your animal is trying to do what is expected; it's just difficult for her. You should see my boy. I push him every chance I get. I take him to the park and walk him through flocks of wild geese. Talk about "puff!" "Hey. mom, want goose for dinner? Just give me a minute." But he is never out of heel position. The e-collar is just another method of conditioning, like the clicker, except that this device, in the hands of a novice, it has the potential to do great harm. I would be very, very careful before I made this choice.

[Judi W]

I have the impression from her questions that Marisa is training on her own. If she were training with an instructor, the question of when and how to use a long line would be taught there.

[marisa]

Judy W., you're right in the sense that right now I am doing some training on my own, but it'll not be this way forever. Let me try an explanation... During this past summer, we did not do much training except for walking around a block or two and some "minor" training in the yard, sitting on the swing and hoping for someone to walk by and watch/correct Baby's behavior. As you may recall, Baby went through some serious training in the Spring, twice a week for several weeks. In the end the instructor pointed out what I already knew, i.e., I am the one who needs to have the confidence, I need to feel that I can control my dog under all circumstances. This would eventually come with a LOT of training, mine and the dog's. We did use the long leash with the trainer (toward the end of classes). Back then I felt confident using the long leash because Jackie (the trainer) was there. I developed great respect for this man, not because he trains police dogs and the officers think the world of him. It was his way of training that impressed me. I believe he spent more time training me than the actual dog! He would notice every little, tiny thing about Baby's behavior, taught me how I must always be aware of my surroundings, hear and spot things and potential nasty situations before the dog (very tough sometimes!) He was impressed with Baby's intelligence, got me to notice how she glances up at me when we walk or whenever she feels that I'm slowing the pace, etc. etc. When the training was finally over ( I suffered separation anxiety big time) he did ask me to get back to him and report on Baby's progress and call him if I had some concerns, need advice, etc. Well, we're doing the park thing again (Jackie almost always wanted to meet there, he wanted to have distractions around, teaching Baby that no matter what goes on around her, she must pay attention to me and follow my commands). She's doing very well, but I am not confident to do the long leash by myself, that's why I thought an e-collar might be an extra aid, but I'm beginning to see this is not the way to go. I'll continue with the six-ft. leash, then give Jackie a call and show off Baby's progress, then we'll move on to more advanced training. I'm sorry to sound like a scared chicken, but I still keep a chair behind my locked front door and let NO-ONE in my family use it (the door). Baby has a very, very high prey drive, she'll focus on something and turn oblivious to everything else. I've seen her nasty side with my other dog and it's not pretty. Thank you all.

[Judi W]

You are doing the right thing, not being a scardy cat. It is only correct to keep to the leash at this point. I suspect you are worried about going beyond that because you can see that she might bolt. Until you see calm work on leash it would be rather foolish to move forward. Although a real experienced professional might be able to use it effectively, an ecollar is not usually the best thing to use with a highly reactive dog as you run the danger of stimulating the dog even further.

[Ilovemypuppy]

Even those of us that compete do not walk our dogs on long lines.

Judi W ....I understand that a regulated walk should beon a 6 foot lead...but is there harm done in walking , say through a field (we live in the country) on a 26 foot Flexi ? Does it confuse the dog, in your opinion? I use a different collar for the Flexi (flat buckle), then for more controlled walking (prongs)...they appear to understand the difference and act according.